Rick Rice Park on Westgreen Boulevard is undergoing an expansion and upgrade.

The park, owned by Interstate Municipal Utility District, recently purchased 4.2 acres of land from CrossPoint Community Church, 700 Westgreen Blvd. The purchase coincided with the release of a plan from Interstate MUD for both the existing park and the newly acquired space.

“Our goal is to create a distinctive park for people to enjoy, and we look forward to offering new amenities as we expand the park,” Barry J. Kaplan, president of Interstate MUD’s board of directors, said.

LJA Engineering’s Land Development Division designed a space that will create a multi-use area reminiscent of European parks and Central Park in New York City. The area will be an open meadow surrounded by grassy knolls where families can picnic, couples can relax, and kids can fly kites. In addition, the space can be used for sporting events or other gatherings.

The new land will be known as The Commons at Rick Rice Park. It is behind the church and next to the main entrance into the park.

The park now includes about 13 acres with the added land.

Upgrades to the existing park will include terraced concrete steps by the current lake, upgraded walking trails, and a new deck that will overlook a second pond with a fountain.

LJA is working on a drainage study before construction can begin. Interstate MUD said initial construction on the park is scheduled for the latter part of 2022, and will begin with new heads-in parking on the east side of the park. It will take several years to fully implement the plan.

Rick Ellis, board member and incoming 2022 Interstate MUD president, said more than 5,000 people visit the park every month.

“We have a variety of classes, including donation-based yoga and Zumba classes that raise money for non-profit groups in the city, like Citizens for Animal Protection and Hope Impacts,” Ellis said.